Our world is constantly in a state of change. Just in the past few years we have seen the economy turn around, the lake levels fluctuate, and major technological advancements being made. Jay Leno has given way to Jimmy Fallon, cars can now park (and drive?) themselves, and I’ll bet that many of you are... Read Full Post ›
Posted by Chris Crawford 03-30-15
After more than three decades in business, we’ve helped guide hundreds of clients through the process of planning and designing their outdoor spaces. While each project is unique, there are certainly some common questions that arise throughout the process. Here, we answer some of your most frequently asked questions. 1. Can we be green without... Read Full Post ›
What do these three subjects have to do with one another? RVi Project Director Patrick Smith recently spoke on this topic at the Austin Center for Architecture. Presenting to the Architecture for Health Committee, Patrick explained the link. “The reality is most of us didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast this morning, we spent... Read Full Post ›
We’ve all read the headlines and seen the statistics. Childhood obesity is on the increase, while time spent outdoors is on the decline. As a society we know that we need to reverse this trend, and that societal norms are working against us. Children are spending less time outside for many reasons, including competition from... Read Full Post ›
Posted by Barbara Austin 09-26-14
The practices of rainwater harvesting and conservation landscaping have been receiving an increasing amount of attention lately. These practices are beneficial, and it is encouraging that they are receiving mainstream exposure. But they are only part of the solution when it comes to dealing with our water challenges and conserving potable water. The new reality... Read Full Post ›
Posted by Peter Dufrene 07-28-14
When we originally purchased our house in the Allandale neighborhood of Austin, it seemed really far from just about everything. The neighborhood demographic was well above the median age for Austin – in fact, many of the original owners still lived in these homes. But as growth in Austin exploded, the face of Allandale changed. ... Read Full Post ›
As you drive through a typical neighborhood in Central Texas, it may not occur to you that you are passing acres of turf that are irrigated by potable water. Many of us have grown accustomed to the manicured patches of lawn that surround our homes, but few of us have given thought to why it’s... Read Full Post ›
Posted by Peter Dufrene 05-22-14
In a world that is increasingly filled with indoor entertainment options, children are spending more and more time away from the natural world that surrounds them. Over the past 20 years, the time kids spend outdoors has fallen by 50% and the rate of obesity has more than tripled. At the same time, research is... Read Full Post ›
Posted by Barbara Austin 03-31-14
Beginning a development project in the private sector can be daunting, exciting, and overwhelming all at the same time. It helps to have a focused framework from which to operate, because the first few months can set the tone for the remainder of the project. Based on more than 30 years of practice, here are... Read Full Post ›
Posted by Chris Crawford 02-28-14
